Liquid filling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A filling apparatus for filling containers with a predetermined liquid volume is disclosed. The apparatus includes structure for conveying containers to a filling station. The containers are coupled to a liquid delivery system while being supported by a carrier and a pair of conformal mold halves. The liquid delivery system includes a flow path from and a flow path return to a reservoir. The flow path includes a venturi throat and means to pressurize the flow line to divert fluid into one or more ports within the throat and into a container. The connecting line between the venturi throat and the container traps a known volume of air. The diverted flow forces the trapped air into the container. The conformal mold halves determine the fluid capacity of the container.

[4 1 Feb. 18, 1975 United States Patent Pearce 1 LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS Primary Examiner-Houston S. Bell, Jr. [75] Inventor: Larry Neil Pearce, Northbrook, 111.

[73] Assignee: Baxter Laboratories, Inc.,

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Samuel B. Smith, Jr.; Richard G. Kinney Morton ABSTRACT Grove, Ill.

A filling apparatus for filling containers with a [22] Filed:

pre-

July 5, 1973 Appl. No.: 376,666 determined liquid volume is disclosed. The apparatus includes structure for conveying containers to a filling station. The containers are coupled to a liquid delivery system while being supported by a carrier and a pair of conformal mold halves. The liquid delivery system includes a flow path from and a flow path return to a [58] Field of Search 141/35, 236, 237, 238,

reservoir. The flow path includes a venturi throat and means to pressurize the flow line to divert fluid into 479; 239/567 one or more ports within the throat and into a con- [56] References Cited tainer. The connecting line between the venturi throat and the container traps a known volume of air. The UNITED STATES PATENTS diverted flow forces the trapped air into the container.

2,645,907 7/1953 Droste et al. 141/236 3,353,721 11/1967 222/330 3,590,855

The conformal mold halves determine the fluid capacity of the container.

M t e n k m 0 W 11 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures JENTEU FEB 18 m5 SHEET 10F 6 I LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS The present invention relates to apparatus for filling with liquid from a source containers which are being conveyed seriatim.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one feature of the present invention, an improvement is provided in a fluid delivery and recirculating system for filling containers. This improvement includes the provision of a plurality of progressive restrictions in the recirculating fluid line together with a plurality of separate flow paths from each of those restrictions. These latter flow paths are directed to the containers to be filled. This improvement has the advantage of supplying more equal pressure and fluid flow to the containers.

A system for filling a flexible and collapsed container with a predetermined volume of liquid and volume of air constructed in accordance with another feature of the present invention includes a liquid reservoir, a recirculating liquid path coupled thereto, and a restriction in the path. Further provided is a diverted flow path from the recirculating path to an exit port for coupling to the inlet of the container, wherein the diverted path is taken from the recirculating path at the restriction, and has a volume equal to the predetermined volume of air to be supplied to the container. Also provided are means for diverting a quantity of liquid from said recirculating path through said diverted path for discharging the air contained in the diverted path as well as a change of liquid into a collapsed container at the exit port to fill the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective, a portion of a fluid delivery system constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in top plan view, the system of FIG. 1 together with additional portions thereof, i.e., filling apparatus including a conveyor for containers and a pair of mold halves to limit container volume.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the filling nozzles of FIG. 2 and the associated structure for moving the nozzles between filling and nonfilling positions.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, in side elevation, the structure of FIG. 3 in moved positions, with certain parts shown in phantom outline.

FIG. 6 is a partial front elevation view, partly in section, of the structure depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in vertical section, a view of one part of the system of FIGS. 1-6, namely, a venturi filler portion thereof.

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the filler of FIG. 7 as seen along the line 8-8 of that figure.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in elevation, a portion of the system, namely, the frame and conformal mold halves, the latter being partially in section to illustrate the container supported therein.

FIG. 10 illustrates, in elevation, a container which may be filled through operation of the system.

FIG. llll illustrates, in top plan view, a portion of the bag carrier assembly.

FIGS. 12 through 114 illustrate in elevation further views of the bag carrier assembly and several positions of the slide member.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a fluid delivery and recirculating system for use in filling a container and preferably a plurality of containers which are conveyed to a filling station. Gener ally described, the system comprises a reservoir 10, a filter assembly 12, a filler nozzle assembly 14, and a pump 16 for circulating the fluid through an interconnecting fluid flow line communicating with the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment illustrated and discussed herein the system is utilized for filling containers with a predetermined volume of a liquid, such as a parenteral solution.

The flow line includes conduit means for interconnecting the system components. To this end the flow line includes conduit 18 mounted in fluid sealing relation with reservoir 10. Preferably the inlet to the conduit will be at or near the bottom of the reservoir for the obvious considerations. The conduit is coupled to the pump through reducer 20. Further connections include conduit 22 including a T connection 24 interconnecting the pump and filter assembly, a second T connection 28 and conduit 30 interconnecting the filter assembly and filler nozzle assembly, and a conduit 32 providing a return line for liquid to the reservoir. Preferably conduit 22 includes a valve 34 to control the liquid flow to the filler nozzle assembly.

No particular orientation of the several conduits is required. The positioning generally will be determined by the construction of the conveying apparatus and considerations of space. As is possible, the flow line may be formed by a single conduit formed to the disposition of FIG 1. Individual conduit sections, also, may be coupled together by suitable joints, as are necessary. As is obvious gasket means (not shown) will be provided at each joint to provide a fluid seal. Clamping structure (also not shown) will maintain the integrity of the several joints.

The reservoir may be of any convenient capacity. Circulation of liquid from and the return of liquid to the reservoir is through the action of the pump 16. It is preferred that the return liquid flow enter the reservoir below the normal level of stored liquid. In this manner aeration of the falling liquid is prevented. Further, the formation of air bubbles through agitation caused by or as a result of free fall of liquid is obviated. And, by providing that the return line for liquid to the reservoir opens upwardly, any bubbles which develop within the filler nozzle assembly by creation of slight vacuum conditions and the sucking of air into the throat to be entrained in the liquid flow tend to migrate to the surface of the liquid in the reservoir. The filters 26 serve principally to trap foreign particulate matter which may be present in the flow'for whatever reason. The filters may also provide for debubbling of the flow although this function is only ancillary to the principal function.

The system of the present invention may comprise one module of a container handling; apparatus. For general information the apparatus may also include certain stations at which containers once loaded on conveying means are prepared for filling. Such preparation may include stations at which the containers are rinsed both internally and externally, dried and positioned to receive a label to identify the liquid contents as well as to present information concerning the manufacturer, among other things.

As discussed, the container may be either of rigid or flexible construction. In the preferred embodiment, however, the container may be a container such as container 50 (FIG. The container may be handled in any manner for loading which may be accomplished by suspending the container in an upside down fashion for movement to and through each of the mentioned preparatory stations. In the suspended disposition the container filling ports are stabilized by passing the same through a slot or opening in a carrier. The carrier support will be described hereafter in more detail. For

present purposes the carrier through gripping means which intercooperate with the slot or opening serves in most cases as the sole support for the container upon movement through various conditioning stations, including the filling station of the present invention. To this end, the container will be released from the suspending support at the container bottom to be thereafter supported by the carrier in the bottom down position for filling.

Following the filling station the container is conveyed to and through a series of stations whereat the container neck is cleared of excess liquid, the neck and chamber contents are sealed by a diaphragm or equivalent member, and the container is rinsed. Thereafter, the container is unloaded from the apparatus. Operations exclusive of the filling operation do not enter into the present invention.

The container 50 is preferably of plastic construction. The particular plastic may be any one of those commonly used to form flexible containers. The container may be formed of polyethylene or polypropylene to name two exemplary plastics. The container includes a body portion 52 and necks 54 providing a pair of ports to the container interior. An exemplary method of forming the container may be by heat sealing two plastic film layers along each side edge and bottom, as at 56. The top may be sealed in a similar manner once the necks have been received on the body.

The container opposite the ports provides a surface 58 including an aperture 60. The aperture serves a dual function. One function relates to the use of the container. Thus, in the administration of parenteral solutions the container may be hung on suitable hanger apparatus in the port down disposition. The aperture also permits the container to be suspended in the same position in moving through the various preparation stations.

The container handling apparatus is supported by a table and frame structure, denoted generally by the numeral 70. A plurality of legs 72 in turn support the table. The legs may be anchored to the floor by means of feet 74 which are capable of adjustment. Thus, the table and frame may be properly disposed for operation of the apparatus.

A carrier 80 serves to stabilize a container or group of containers during the preparation stages and to support the same during the conditioning phase. As best seen in FIG. 11, the carrier is formed by a generally rectangular plate and provides along the length at least one and preferably a plurality of pairs of spaced openings. The openings, denoted by the numeral 82, also are generally rectangular in outline. The openings are transverse to the plate and include at least one side pocket 84. The openings pass through the carrier from top to bottom. The port necks of each container 50 are received in the openings. Preferably each port neck is of a length substantially longer than the thickness of the carrier plate in order that a portion of its length extends beyond the upper surface of the carrier plate. A pair of slidable elements 86 and 88 (see FIGS. l214) are disposed within each carrier for movement toward and away from the pocket. A cam surface formed in the channel of the frame 76 provides control for movement of the individual plates toward the necks of the container ports for stabilization and for gripping support of the container necks within the pocket. The plates may be juxtaposed one above the other and through interaction of a pin or screw 87 whose head cooperates with a track 870 in the frame are movable relative to the necks. FIGS. 1l-14 represent the positioning of the slide members within the several stations of operation. For example, the left hand portion of FIG. 11 represents the positioning of the slide plates typically within a plurality of pre-fill stations and membrane insertion station; whereas the right hand portion of FIG. 11 represents thepositioning of the slides in the fill station whereat the containers are supported by a pair of conformal molds. The positioning of the slide plates will be more. apparent through observation of FIGS. 1214.

The plates are slidable into a disposition for gripping (FIG. 13) and for pinching (FIG. 12) of the port necks. Movement is imparted to the slide plates by a cam surface, illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 by the individual cam members 81 and 83. These members are continuous throughout the operative stations and are contoured toward the port necks so that they control the movement of the slide plates by an intercooperating bearing surface. Movement is controlled by the interaction of the head of pin or screw 87 within the track 87a of frame 76. In FIG. 12 both slide plates have been moved into the extreme right position in order to support the container after filling and to permit those operations subsequent to filling of the container to be carried out. Thus, the slide plate 88 of the carrier supports the entire weight of the filled container. This is accomplished by the pinching action of nose 88a. The slide plate 86 provides only secondary gripping support of the necks. To this end the indented arcuate nose 86a of the slide plate 86 is disposed in surrounding and somewhat compressive relation with respect to the port necks. In FIG. 13, through direct intercooperation of the head 87 and track 87a, the slide plate 88 has been moved to the left. During this movement the shank portion of the pin or screw moves within a slot 86b of the slide plate 86. Further movement of the slide plate 88 results in movement of slide plate 86 toward the FIG. 14 position. In FIG. 14 the container 50 is unloaded.

As is apparent from the discussed Figures, the camming surface composed of members 81 and 83 provides bearing support to the slide member 88 in movement both toward and away from the FIG. 12 position. Additional support is derived from the frame 76 and a member which is carried by the frame in position to overlie a portion of the slide plate 86.

The containers are loaded on the carriers by passing the neck through the rectangular portion of the opening 82. One slide plate and then the other is cammed toward the neck to move it into pocket 84. The pocket is of somewhat smaller diameter and together with the plates serves to grip the neck.

The carrier members may be supported by the frame portion 76. The frame is illustrated generally and in phantom in FIGS. 4 and 5. Preferably, the frame 76 supports the carrier members at a slight angle to the floor. This particular orientation of carrier together with the pinching action of a slide plate serves the purpose of canting slightly the axis of the container neck from the vertical (FIG. 11). In this manner, the neck of 5 the container is in a suitable position to receive the pivoted nozzle of the filler assembly.

The carrier members are advanced sequentially through the various stations by any commonly employed technique. Each carrier member may support a plurality of containers. Each carrier is disposed in abutting relation to other carrier members within the frame 76. Timing means (not shown) or the equivalent determine the dwell time of the individual carriers and containers at any one operative station.

The filler nozzle assembly 14 generally includes a venturi tube 90 providing a multiplicity of ports 92, 94, 96 and 98, and a nozzle 100 for each port. Each nozzle is associated with a vise assembly 102 including a pair of conformal mold halves. As each container supported by a carrier moves to the filling station for the particular dwell time operative means to be discussed serve to position the nozzle within the open port neck for filling the container. Means also move the conformal mold halves i, 106 of the vise assembly into disposition to encase the container. Each mold half is configured internally so that the two halves define the outline of a container filled to the desired capacity.

The venturi tube provides an entrance (from the right in FIG. 7) from the filter unit 12. The tube throughout a length from the entrance decreases in inner dimension uniformly toward a first throat. Port 92 is located at the first throat. Additional ports 94, 96 and 98 are located at throat locations toward the exit from the venturi. Each throat, toward the exit, may be different in diameter. Also, each port 92 98 may be located within a venturi throat of constant internal dimension throughout. In the Figure the presently preferred form of venturi is illustrated. In this form each throat 92 98 toward the exit is of a different and decreasing diameter. Without any intent to limit the invention to particular parameters, since any parameters can be used, a preferred embodiment employs a venturi having an entrance of approximately 1.5 inches in length with an inner diameter which decreased over this distance from approximately 1.4 inches to approximately 0.729 i .001 inches at the throat including port 92. The angle of inclination of the conduit walls to the first throat is approximately 125. From the first throat through the length of the venturi tube to the second and subsequent throats there is a further decrease in internal diameter. The decrease is gradual throughout the full length to the final throat. The tube diameter within the final throat is approximately 0.694 inch .001 inch. The exit of the venturi over a distance of approximately 3.5 inches increases in diameter to the diameter of the conduit at the other end. The angle of inclination of the conduit walls within the exit is approximately 3.75.

The venturi tube and particularly the internal construction will provide a round smooth transition in diameter from one throat to the next adjacent throat. Further, the edge of the port to the nozzle (see FIG. 8) is sharp. To this end the liquid flow which might otherwise follow a rounded corner tends to follow a straight flow path.

The operation of the venturi also tends to negate against the flow taking any course but a straight through course during recirculation of liquid. Thus, the slight negative pressure at each port opening because of the tendency of the throat or throats to suck air from the nozzle toward the port causes. the liquid to flow in a recirculation path. Any air which becomes entrained in the flow by this action will pass from the liquid while within the reservoir, as previously discussed.

The flow of liquid at times when the filling operation is not occurring is a recirculating flow. A filling cycle will commence when a bag is conveyed to the filling assembly. At the commencement of the cycle the nozzles 100 will have moved toward and received by the necks of each container. And the mold halves will have been moved to position to encase the container. The filling operation will continue throughout a time period which is adequate to provide that each container is filled with liquid as determined by the conformal mold. The trapped air will also be received by the container. The containers at substantially the same time begin to receive liquid. Filling concludes at substantially the same time. When each container is filled the flow again recirculates.

The filling operation or cycle is timed to the movement of the containers. The cycle commences in response to movement of a plate 93 to a position immediately above the liquid discharge at 95 from conduit 32. While plate 93 does not touch the conduit end it shadows the end by a relatively small spacing. In this manner pressure builds within the line and liquid is dispensed through each port 92 98.

Plate 93 is supported for movement by rod 97. A further rod 99, carried by the frame 70, is controlled and thereby controls the movement of the plate.

The several nozzles move between the filling and nonfilling disposition (see FIGS. 4 and 5). An arm 1110 supports each nozzle at one end. Any particular means may be employed. The several arms and consequently the nozzles are moved in unison between the FIG. d and 5 positions. To this end the arms are interconnected by a plurality of members 112, 114 and 116 (see FIG. 3). Each arm is keyed to shaft 118 which moves through some small angle of rotation. Approximately 5 of rotation of the shaft causes approximately a 0.375 inch movement of the nozzle 100.

Movement of shaft 118 may be controlled by, for example, pneumatic or electrical means. The preferred embodiment utilizes pneumatic logic actuation. The logic also controls movement of the plate 93 and the conformal mold halves 104i, 106. The mechanical structure includes a cylinder 120 which is connected to two sources of pressure through ports 122 and 124- at opposite ends of the cylinder. Pressure to one or the other of the ports causes movement of piston rod 126 in the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 4 and 5. The piston rod is connected to the crank 128 through a connecting member 130. Typically the connecting member may be threadedly received on a screw 132 which in turn is threadedly received on the piston rod. This form of coupling envisions adjustment in the angular movement of shaft 118. The other end of the connecting member may be bifurcated to receive the crank between the extending fingers. A pin secures the member and crank. The crank is keyed to the shaft 118. Therefore, straight line movement of the piston rod causes rotary movement of shaft 118 and oscillation of nozzles 100, as described.

An adjustable stop 140 provides a limit for crank 128 in the FIG. direction of movement of piston rod 126. A micro switch 142 including a switch arm 144 is responsive to movement of the arms 110 to provide an electric signal and limit movement of the piston rod in the FIG. 4 direction. To this end the switch is electrically connected to the pneumatic logic to regulate the air supply to either port 122 or 124 as the case may be.

A bracket 150 serves to support the pneumatic cylinder 120. The bracket includes a plurality of straps carried by a pair of arms 152. Each arm is supported by a portion 154 of the frame 70. A pair of members 156 and 158 in cantilever fashion extend toward and support the venturi tube within the region of the entrance and the exit. The members form a part of frame 154.

Bracket 160 includes a pair of arms 162 and 164. The arms 162 and 164 are mounted on the shaft 118 by means of a clamp which is received around the shaft. A pair of collars 166 and 168 are keyed to the shaft and maintain axial positioning of the bracket 160. Shaft disposition is maintained by securement of the bracket 160 to the frame 154.

Each nozzle 100 is coupled to an individual port of the venturi tube. To this end a length of tube 180 of predetermined volume connects the several outlet ports 92 98 to an inlet port of the nozzle 100. Preferably the conduit 180 will be formed of resilient material to accommodate movement of the nozzle between the FIG. 4 and 5 positions.

Each nozzle is provided with an internal chamber. A central partition 183 with an intercommunicating pathway divides the chamber substantially into two compartments. Each compartment includes a spout 184 through which fluid passes to the container.

As indicated, each container receives liquid and air in such capacity as limited by the conformal molds.

I Since it is critical to provide the exact volumetric capacity of liquid and air the volume of air within the tube as well as the several chambers including the nozzles and the venturi ports through the distance to the throat is of critical importance.

The container is supported during sequential movement by the carrier 80. More particularly the container is supported through a slight pinching of the necks 54 (see FIG. 11). The pinching action provided by the internal cammed plates serves also to cause the neck to tilt slightly so that there is ease in entry of the nozzle spouts during movement to the FIG. 4 position. The nozzle spouts are frictionally received by the necks, the fit being such to prevent liquid from seeping past the nozzle itself.

The vise assembly 102 is positioned at the filling station in cooperative relation such that each container moves into position between the two mold halves 104 and 106. The assembly may be seen to best advantage in FIG. 9. Each mold half includes an internal wall contoured to conform to the wall half of a container filled to the desired capacity. The mold halves include body portions 190 and 192. A pair of spaced rods 194 mount the body portion for sliding movement in the closing and opening directions relative to a container 50. The rods are carried by abutments 196 mounted on the frame 70. Typically, to enhance movement suitable bearing structure (not shown) is included in the body portions within a neck 198. Movement of the body portion is induced by movement of the pistons 200 and rods 202 carried by the abutments 196. Any particular driving force may be employed.

A plurality of passages 206 are formed in the vise construction to drain overflow liquid which may accumulate.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that in accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus and fluid delivery system of a type having no moving parts in contact with the fluid flow. Therefore, the system may have unique adaptability for filling containers with a parenteral solution. The apparatus includes means to convey containers to the filling station and means to control the timed filling operation once the container is presented to a filling nozzle and disposed between a pair of mold halves which determine the fluid capacity of the container. The filling operation commences upon a build-up in pressure in a flow line through a venturi tube in order to divert fluid from the tube and into the container.

Having described the present invention with particular reference to the preferred form thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the claims appended hereto.

Having described the invention, 1 claim:

1. A system for filling a collapsed flexible container with predetermined desired amounts of liquid and gas, comprising:

a reservoir for containing liquid;

means defining a recirculating liquid path connected to said reservoir;

a restriction defined in said recirculating liquid path;

means defining a diverted flow path from said recirculating path at said restriction to an exit port adapted to be coupled with the inlet of the container, said diverted flow path also having a volume equal to the predetermined desired volume of air; and

a diverting means adapted to divert liquid from said recirculating liquid path to said diverted flow path for a period sufficient to discharge the air contained in the diverted flow path and a change of liquid from the exit port and into a container coupled thereto.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said diverting means is disposed in said recirculating liquid path in that section of said recirculating path between the downstream side of said restriction and said reservoir.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein said diverting means is adapted to raise the pressure of the liquid within said restriction.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein said diverting means restricts the flow of liquid in said recirculating liquid path.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.

9. The system of claim 1 to which is added pumping means adapted to circulate liquid through said recircu- 10 culating path to said inlet conduits of said containers;

the improvement comprising:

means defining a plurality of restrictions, said restricting means disposed within said recirculating liquid path, also said restricting means being increasingly restrictive in the direction of flow; and means defining a diversion flow path from each of said restrictions to the inlet of a different one of the plurality of containers.

l l 2k 

1. A system for filling a collapsed flexible container with predetermined desired amounts of liquid and gas, comprising: a reservoir for containing liquid; means defining a recirculating liquid path connected to said reservoir; a restriction defined in said recirculating liquid path; means defining a diverted flow path from said recirculating path at said restriction to an exit port adapted to be coupled with the inlet of the container, said diverted flow path also having a volume equal to the predetermined desired volume of air; and a diverting means adapted to divert liquid from said recirculating liquid path to said diverted flow path for a period sufficient to discharge the air contained in the diverted flow path and a change of liquid from the exit port and into a container coupled thereto.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.
 3. The system of claim 1 wHerein said diverting means is disposed in said recirculating liquid path in that section of said recirculating path between the downstream side of said restriction and said reservoir.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.
 5. The system of claim 3 wherein said diverting means is adapted to raise the pressure of the liquid within said restriction.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein said diverting means restricts the flow of liquid in said recirculating liquid path.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said restriction is tapered in the direction of liquid flow.
 9. The system of claim 1 to which is added pumping means adapted to circulate liquid through said recirculating liquid path, said pumping means disposed in said recirculating liquid path.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said pumping means is disposed between the upstream side of said restriction and said reservoir.
 11. In a fluid delivery and recirculating system for use in filling containers of the type which includes a reservoir; a recirculating liquid path connected to the reservoir; a plurality of containers to be filled with liquid, each of said containers having at least one inlet and diverting means adapted to divert liquid from said recirculating path to said inlet conduits of said containers; the improvement comprising: means defining a plurality of restrictions, said restricting means disposed within said recirculating liquid path, also said restricting means being increasingly restrictive in the direction of flow; and means defining a diversion flow path from each of said restrictions to the inlet of a different one of the plurality of containers. 